First two IOP members are awarded Registered Science Technician designation

29 November 2016

Two IOP members have been awarded the professional designation of Registered Science Technician – the first since the Institute became licensed by the Science Council to award both that and Registered Scientist earlier this year.

iStockphoto.com

One, Kevin Clarke, is a physics technician at Loughborough University, and the other, Adrian Johnson, is a physics technician at Diamond Light Source.

The designation of Registered Science Technician, RSciTech, is aimed at those in technical roles delivering scientific services, such as technicians. It may also include those in the early stages of their career, such as apprentices. Registered Scientist, or RSci, is intended for people with a few years’ experience, working in more senior roles and with responsibility for other staff but not yet working at a chartered level.

Johnson said: “I was already a member of the IOP before applying for RSciTech. I heard about registration via the RegTech initiative and thought that registration would be a useful tool, firstly for demonstrating that I am currently working at a sufficient technical/scientific level and secondly for providing a driver for continued development.

“Over the last few years I have realised that I have needed something to aim for and RSciTech was the first step. From here I aim to achieve RSci by further development and taking on more in-depth work and projects.”

Offering the registrations will allow the Institute to better promote the idea that there are diverse routes both into physics careers and into IOP membership, and that neither is limited to those with degrees in physics or related subjects.

Applicants for either registration need to demonstrate competencies across a number of different areas. Those competencies are then assessed either online or by interview.

The Institute’s head of professional recognition and progression, Stephanie Richardson, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide professional recognition for all members of the physics community and look forward to welcoming them into membership.”